Southampton, Hampshire
Hampshire has had another exciting year in 2026, with an array of large-scale events and festivals taking place but the year is not over yet. Home to a host of family fun events, and special anniversaries, you're sure to find plenty of exciting events to give you a reason to include Hampshire in your holiday plans. Look out for an array of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austens birth whilst you discover the place she was born, lived and wrote six of her novels #JaneAusten250.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list below or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county. The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Number of results: 149
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Heritage & History
Ventnor
Dickens House Party Weekend on the Isle of Wight Celebrate Charles Dickens at The Royal Hotel's Dickens House Party Weekend taking place from 27 February 2026 to 1 March 2026.
The weekend will celebrate Charles Dickens' works and strong ties…
General event
Southampton
Shieldhall will initially steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Arvia and Queen Anne – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! Then heading east, Shieldhall will pass into Portsmouth…
Special Events
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of the Custom and American Show on Father's Day, Sunday 21 June 2026.
With hundreds of cool American motors, colourful custom cars and bikes, live music and hip entertainment, this is a family show not to be…
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
Join us as BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair returns to the stunning grounds of Beaulieu, 1-3 May 2026.
Kick off your gardening year in style by joining us for this much-loved show, filled with an abundance of gardening expertise, inspiration and…
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight The very last carnival of the summer, Ryde Carnival's illuminated procession is a fabulous spectacle of light and music that rounds the Isle of Wight carnival season off in style.
Carnival route …
General event
Southampton
See the sights of Poole Harbour, passing Brownsea Island and Sandbanks, Old Harry Rocks and Hengistbury Head, before sailing to the Needles themselves, one of the most photographed and iconic coastal locations in the UK. We will later return to our…
Carnival
Sandown
Sandown Bay Regatta on the Isle of Wight Annual summer celebration of Sandown Bay with FREE family entertainment from the stage, beach fun at the Beach Sports Arena and a street market lining Sandown Esplanade.
Family entertainment For the…
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Join our expert shipwrights for a fun and informative drop-in caulking workshop! Learn about this traditional technique used for centuries to seal wooden seams on ships.
Discover how tar-soaked rope fibres are used for caulking, and get hands-on…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Mercedes on Sunday 9 August 2026.
All Mercedes-Benz owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the museum grounds for a superb day out for owners and enthusiasts.
Sporting Event
Portsmouth
SailGP returns to the UK with fast and furious racing set to take place right here in Portsmouth.
Special Events
Winchester
Winchester Science Centre hosts UK premiere of Van Gogh Alive.
One of the world's most celebrated immersive art experiences is coming to Hampshire. From 22 January to 22 March 2026, Van Gogh Alive will take over Winchester Science Centre, offering…
Childrens Events
Romsey
Be an archaeologist and join us at our purpose-built trench in the woods to find hidden treasures from ages past.
Study some Stone Age artefacts to work out what they were used for. You'll be surprised! Learn about the Stone Age in more detail by…
Free Event
Newtown
Birdwatching at Newtown National Nature Reserve Join the National Trust and step into the calm beauty of Newtown with a guided walk through its saltmarshes, meadows, and winding creeks.
Discover birds on guided walk This peaceful corner of…
Food
Oakley, Basingstoke
This Mother's Day, you can sit back and relax at Oakley Hall letting our family take care of yours. Whether you're looking to enjoy a sumptuous Afternoon Tea or wanting a delicious three course meal, there's something for all to enjoy this March!
Show / Display
Romsey
The Romsey Show takes place in September at Broadlands in Romsey. The Show is one of the largest one-day country shows in the South and is run by a large team of dedicated volunteers. The show provides a fantastic day out with something for all the…
Carnival
Newport
Newport Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Carnival fever comes to the island's capital town, various locations around Newport.
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Norwegian Sky and Seven Seas Grandeur depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…
Childrens Events
New Forest
Join us between 14 – 22 February 2026 and step back in time as history comes to life across the attraction with exciting historical hands-on activities!
Explore and follow the card-collecting trail to discover living history that needs your help…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Land Rover on Sunday 5 July 2026.
All Land Rover owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
Special Events
New Forest
The iconic International Autojumble will return on Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 September 2026.
Thousands of motoring enthusiasts will join us for the biggest outdoor sale of motoring items this side of the Atlantic. This long-awaited weekend of…
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